Texas Leads!

Convention of States Headlines 2016 Texas GOP Convention

The Republican Party of Texas held their biannual state convention in Dallas, TX, from May 12-14, 2016.

Beginning with the Keynote Address from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, through the Platform Debate and Vote, and finishing with the selection of national delegates, the Convention of States wove a common thread, cinching together policy and politician alike.

Governor Abbott's Keynote Address

Governor Greg Abbott Explains the Need For the Convention of States

The 2016 Texas GOP Convention was opened by Governor Abbott proclaiming "the biggest threat to our freedom is a government that ignores the United States Constitution!"

Credit: Bexar County GOP Precinct 4198

The Platform Debate and Vote

Beginning on Monday, May 9th, through Thursday, May 12th, the Texas Convention of States team sent wave after wave of supporters providing testimony before the temporary sub-committee, temporary committee, and the permanent committee.

Legislative Priority Sub-Committee

Heightening the drama was the inclusion of a new sub-committee, focused solely on identifying five legislative priorities for the upcoming Texas Legislative Session. This committee's final report included the Convention of States plank as one of the legislative priorities!

Temporary Platform Committee

On Wednesday, May 11th, the full temporary platform committee (31 members) met to hear public testimony on all planks/issues. Texas Convention of States volunteers showed up early, stood up to be recognized, and spoke up with energetic pleas promoting the state-initiated amendment process defined in Article V as the only viable solution to rein in the federal government.

When testimony was concluded, and initial discussion and vote of the temporary committee completed, the Texas Convention of States 2016 GOP Platform Plank remained intact, and was included with the five legislative priorities.

2016 Republican Party of Texas Platform, Plank #35:

"Article V Convention- We support the Bill of Rights as written by our Founding Fathers and assert the authority of the 10th amendment. We urge our Texas State Legislators to call for a limited Article V Convention of States for the specific purpose of reducing the power of the federal government, including implementation of term limits. Any proposed amendments must be ratified by 3/4 of the states."

Permanent Platform Committee

By the morning of Thursday, May 12th, the Temporary Platform Committee had replaced the Convention of States Legislative Priority plank with another plank. With the Permanent Platform Committee scheduled for the final hearing that evening, at 7:00, the Texas Convention of States team worked on strategy to restore our plank as a Legislative Priority.

By 7:00 p.m., the Texas Convention of States team had 16 volunteers stacked near the front of the line of witnesses, plus two state legislators, Primary Author Representative Rick Miller, and Senator Brian Birdwell. With only 45 minutes allotted for testimony, the Texas Convention of States team overwhelmed the committee members with statements from both legislators and 14 supporters. Only two witnesses spoke in opposition to the Convention of States plank. Emphasis was given during testimony to restore the Convention of States plank as a Legislative Priority.

During the committee discussion, a motion was entered to restore the Convention of States as a Legislative Priority, and by a very close vote, the restoration was approved.

The power of the grassroots was displayed before the entire Texas GOP leadership, who were quite impressed with the showing of the entire team!

"Call for a limited Article V convention of states for the specific purpose of restricting the power of the federal government, including the implementation of term limits, and balanced budget amendment. Any proposed amendments must be ratified by ¾ of the states."

Packed Room for Permanent Platform Testimony

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Representative Rick Miller Delivers Testimony

Angie Turner Delivers Testimony

Recorded Testimonies

State Senator Brian Birdwell

State Representative Rick Miller

Texas COS Co-Director Tamara Colbert

Texas COS Volunteer Nathan Baber

Convention of States Booth

Bolstered by Governor Abbott's Keynote Address, the presence of his book tour bus promoting "Broken But Unbowed", and the news of the platform battle, the Convention of States booth was a hive of activity throughout the three days of the convention, May 12th-14th. Regional Captains Angie Turner and Natalie Miller coordinated the entire effort, scheduling volunteers, keeping materials stocked, and capturing over 400 new petition signatures!

Thousands of flyers were distributed, including all 1000 of our allotment of Governor Abbott sheets, hot off the press.

Many state legislators stopped by to say hello, pick up literature, or even take a photo with our volunteers!

Governor Abbott Book Signings

Texas Governor Greg Abbott provided multiple opportunities to visit for a personalized book signing. The 2016 Texas GOP Convention was the site of the official launch of the Governor's biography "Broken But Unbowed", which parallels his rise to the Governorship despite a broken body with the opportunity for our broken nation to once again rise using the founders gift to the states in Article V.

Over the three days of book signings, many of our Convention of States volunteers availed themselves of the opportunity to meet the Governor, thank him for his support, and receive an autographed copy of his new book.

Governor Abbott's Book Tour Bus

Governor Abbott and Jackson Barrett

Governor Abbott and Chris Rockett

Governor Abbott and Kim Rockett

Governor Abbott's Tailgate Party

On the evening of Friday the 13th, Texas Governor Greg Abbott hosted an exclusive tailgate party for graduates of his "Abbott University" training. Several Convention of States volunteers attended, and had an opportunity to not only get a picture with our Governor, but also spend some extended time in conversation. Governor Abbott encouraged our volunteers to continue educating about Article V, and to be patient with those in opposition.

Governor Abbott's Salute to Veterans

On Saturday, May 14th, Texas Governor Greg Abbott hosted an exclusive event for veterans, including an opportunity to receive a personalized copy of his new book, "Broken But Unbowed." Net proceeds from book sales will be donated to Operation FINALLY HOME, a Texas-based non-profit that provides custom-build, mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.

Governor Abbott Speaks to Veterans about Broken But Unbowed

Governor Abbott Greets Angie Turner

Governor Abbott Signs Angie Turner's Copy of Broken But Unbowed

Governor Abbott and Angie Turner Shake Hands

Governor Abbott Signs Paul Hodson's Copy of Broken But Unbowed

Governor Abbott Signs Paul Hodson's Copy of The Texas Plan

Governor Abbott and Paul Hodson Shake Hands

COS Supporting Legislators and Officials

Texas state legislators and elected officials stopped by caucus meetings to speak with delegates, and help fill some of the down time while votes were counted. Many of these legislators are Convention of States supporters.

Contributions to Convention of States Action are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Convention of States Action is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Texas. Convention of States Action respects the privacy of its donors and their choice not to have personal information shared with others.